Obituary of Myrtle Lowrie

Lowrie: Myrtle Alberta Lowrie passed away in the Islay Health Centre on Saturday, April 16, 2005 at the age of 82 years. Myrtle is survived by her loving husband George of Marwayne; one son Neal and his wife Brenda and their children Ryan and Kerry of Lloydminster; two daughters: Linda and her husband Francis Bourque and their children Chance, Chase and Cole of Pelly, Sask.; Gina and here husband Glen Cole and their children Katelyn, Wade and Lindsay of St. Rose, Manitoba; one brother Terry Dow (Gwen) of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia; four sisters: Mabel Dow of Edmonton, Almeda Parsons of Edmonton, Estelle (Bob McMillan) of Sherwood Park, Violet (Bob Dewar) of Edmonton; two sisters-in-law Donna Dow of Onoway and Dorothy Lowrie of Leduc. Myrtle was predeceased by an infant daughter, her parents Hollie and Annie Dow, brothers Hollie and Charles, sister Helen Bergum. The funeral service for Myrtle was conducted from the Marwayne Community Hall, Marwayne, Alberta, on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Bob Aldrich officiating. Solos were sung by Yvette Barnett and Shelley Johnson accompanied on the organ by Donna Eyben. Honorary pallbearers were: Marion Espetveidt, Mary Dale, Elma Greig, Dorothy Cooke, Eleanor Dunsford, and Islay Health Centre Staff. Active pallbearers were: grandchildren: Ryan Lowrie, Kerry Lowrie, Chance Bourque, Chase Bourque, Cole Bourque, Katie Cole, Wade Cole, and Lindsay Cole. Interment followed in the Marwayne Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Services Ltd., of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Eulogy Given by Linda and Gina We have the opportunity to come together today to honor someone very special, to be blessed together as family and friends and, ultimately, to glorify God. An old proverb says, “Happiness shared is double happiness, sorrow shared is half sorrow.” Thank you for coming today to double the joy as we celebrate Mom’s life, and to help in bearing the sorrow of the separation and loss. Myrtle Alberta Dow was born March 24, 1923, to Hollie and Annie Violet Dow. She married George Lowrie on October 21, 1952. They shared their life together for the next 53 years, being blessed with a son, Neal, and daughters, Linda and Gina. Mom grew up in Bellis, Alberta, and moved with her family to Marwayne when she was a young adult. There are sure to be many stories in the years growing up in a family of nine children. In a day and age when we seem to have to drive everywhere, we marvel at the story of Mom and her friend, Eleanor Moorehead, walking up the railroad tracks all the way from Marwayne to Streamstown to attend a dance. It makes you wonder how anyone would feel like dancing after a hike like that in high-heeled shoes! But that was one thing Mom was - energetic and never dilly-dallied getting anywhere. She would run down to get the mail, run down to the church, run up to Dorothy Cooke’s, run over to Marion’s usually humming under her breath as she went. Mom was never afraid of hard work and was always busy doing something. Her family would enjoy the fruits of her labor - clean clothes fresh off the line (always hung a certain way of course), the overnight buns; Grandma Dow’s doughnuts, or sweet and sour spareribs. We know we were the envy of our classmates as we usually ran home at noon for a hot meal, something simple like pork chops and rice smothered in mushroom gravy, with dessert too. Spoiled perhaps - but that was Mom - such devotion, everything for her family. We all debate who was spoiled the most - Dad got everything cooked the way he liked it except when Neal would come home - then Mom catered to all his favorites. Lindsay would get her feet rubbed and a hot water bottle was waiting in Gina’s bed after a hockey game one night. In addition to her family, Mom’s other passion was the Church. She spent many years in the Church Choir, on the U.C.W., the Church Board, organizing the Sunday School, attending Bible Studies, and helping at the Whitney Lake Church Camp. Mom and Dad shared many trips in their motorhome with family and friends - some being the lakes, Dorintosh and LaPlonge - a trip down to the Tyrell Museum and Franchere Bay. Mom had a sense of humor and for some reason was so easily entertained by her son-in-laws, Francis and Glen. She enjoyed a good meal at daughter-in-law, Brenda’s; a trip in the Volkswagen with sister-in-law Dorothy; visits with her dear brothers and all of her sisters and sister-in-laws who have always loved her. And once her grandchildren came along - Ryan, Kerry, Chance, Chase, Cole, Katie, Wade and Lindsay - Oh what joy! She had a whole new generation to pour out that love and devotion on. Teaching them to tie their shoe laces, pushing them in the buggy down the street, or reading story after story. Mom loved to read and if anyone needs a good Christian book, check with Dad - Mom acquired quite a library. Her Christian walk was so important. It was Mom’s faith that kept her afloat through the storms of life and brought hope, peace and joy in the rest. Mom knew Jesus was her Lord and her Savior, and he has finally had his way to make things right. The journey’s over, the day is done Relief has come at last Farm from here a ship has sailed Into a peaceful sea of glass If we search the horizon Asking for sight beyond We’ll see the harbor of safety Where a brand new day has dawned And it has risen in all its glory Full of sunshine, promise and hope And lo, there the Captain stands As still waters keep the ship afloat His loving hands wash away the stains Of rendered service and strife The deck repaired, the main sail spared The old ship comes to life In all its beauty, uniqueness, and quality With all provisions hauled aboard There is no lack, no loss, no waiting The ship is now fully restored And as it sails about the seas of glory With abandon and delight It glides with ease in the ocean of love Where all things are made right We bless and honor our Mother today, and thank God for her beautiful life. To the Staff at the Islay Health Centre: The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for not only the basic nursing care Mom received, but all the tender loving care and compassion being in the form of small kisses, gentle hugs, walking in the halls and singing, eating crackers together in the middle of the night, enduring a sleepless night to support family, and those things you would remember that we aren’t even aware of. Thank you also for our Father’s care. For walking him through a most difficult process, for your patience, compassion and giving of your time to him. We have all been blessed by your selfless giving. Thank you. DAD: We want you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done for Mom. Your tireless devotion and compassionate care giving is such a rich and beautiful heritage for this family. It was evident in the last days - the look of pure love that passed between you and Mom. She knew you to the end. Here faithful husband and she your faithful wife. We honor you as our father, the husband of our beloved Mom. Thanks Dad. Card of Thanks The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Rev. Bob Aldrich for this kind words and prayers, to the organist Donna Eyben, soloists Yvette Barnett and Shelley Johnson for the beautiful music and singing, to the Honorary Pallbearers and Pallbearers, to the ladies for the lunch after the service, to Colleen’s Catering for the lunch and supper for our families and out of town relatives, to Shirley Scott for leading the sincere and touching memorial service at islay and to the pianist John Scott. Thank you to all the people for the cards, flowers, phone calls, visits and the food we received. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. In lieu of thank you cards, we will be making a donation to the Islay Health Centre. Thank you to Dale McCaw for your assistance and guidance through our difficult time. Your compassion and professionalism is truly a gift and greatly appreciated. Love and God’s blessings to all from: George, Neal and Brenda, Linda and Francis, Gina and Glen Donations in memory of Myrtle may be made to the Islay Patient Comfort Fund or to the Alberta Research Council for Juvenile Diabetes.